Valathu Vashathe Kallan: A Missed Opportunity for Jeethu Joseph

Released on January 30, 2026, "Valathu Vashathe Kallan" is director Jeethu Joseph's latest offering, starring Biju Menon and Joju George. Following the success of "Drishyam," Joseph's films are known for their intricate plots and twists. However, this crime drama, with a runtime of two hours and 18 minutes, struggles to live up to expectations.

The film begins with a compelling missing woman case that sets a promising stage for a thriller. Yet, the narrative falters as the anticipated twists become apparent early on, lacking the organic development seen in Joseph's earlier successes like "Drishyam" and "Memories."

A particularly interesting, yet abandoned, element was the initial exploration of unresolved trauma between Biju Menon's character, CI Antony Xavier, and his son during a therapy session. This subplot had the potential to add significant layers but was ultimately left unexplored.

Furthermore, the intelligence of the police officers investigating the case is questionable, a significant drawback for a thriller. While Joju George delivers a strong performance as a vengeful father and Biju Menon has a more substantial role, the weak characterization of the law enforcement hinders the film's overall impact. Lena also provides impactful moments as a grieving parent.